2010-Third Annual Penguin Plunge
Crystal Lake, Ellington March 6, 2010. This year 217 brave participants took the plunge in the frigid 37 degree waters to raise nearly $40,000 for Special Olympics- Connecticut Eastern Region. The air temperature was in the 50’s and 60’s.
"It keeps getting bigger and bigger," said Crystal Lake Fire Chief Chuck Pippen, who’s group cuts the hole in the ice and provides safety divers for the event. This year a lot of "swimmers" and their supporters had to park at the Crystal Lake School and had a free shuttle ride to the gate after both sides of Rt 140 parking spots were taken.
Ellington, Enfield, Stafford, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks, South Windsor, Somers, Glastonbury, East and West Hartford and others joined in the plunge.
The "Rock Hopper Award" (most creative costume) went to "Penguin Wannabes"
The "Silver Penguin Award"(oldest plunger) Doug Miller (61). Doug also won the "Web Surfer Award" (most money raised on-line)
The "Arctic Hero Award"(public safety dept raising most money) Crystal Lake Fire Department/South Windsor Police Department.
The "Rockin’ Schoolhouse Award"- Windsor Locks Public Schools and the "Emperor Penguin Award"(highest individual fundraiser) Roseann Sapula of South Windsor.
Next year promises to be an even bigger event according to it’s organizer.
PLUNGERS RAISE BIG BUCKS!
ELLINGTON. CRYSTAL LAKE, - 75 brave souls raised more than $18,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut on March 2, 2008.
The Crystal Lake Fire Department and the Tolland County Dive Team sponsored teams.
Residents from Ellington, Tolland, South Windsor, Windsor Locks, Enfield, Suffield, Windsor and Manchester all took part in the first-ever Penguin Plunge in Ellington.
Water temperature was 38 degrees, with air temperature at 40 degrees. With the wind chill factor, the air temperature felt like it was 23 degrees with a strong wind off the water. The event was organized by Agent
Ron Littell of the South Windsor Police Dept., in conjunction with the CT Special Olympics.
As you can see, fun was had by all. Next year plans to be a bigger event. Looking forward to a CLA Sponsored Team. This year the Crystal Lake Association made a donation of $100 to the Connecticut Special Olympics.